There are many debates globally: Coke or Pepsi, Windows or Mac, and dogs or cats. Many people have a strong opinion about which side they are on, but we are not here to debate that.
Today, we will examine some statistics about dogs and cats to help you decide which pet is right for you.
According to statistics, there are about 79.74 million dogs and 86.11 million cats in the United States. When looking at how many pets people have, dogs are more popular than cats; 36.59% of households own a dog, while only 30.39% own cats.
A recent study showed that there are about 600 million dogs and around 700 million cats globally. However, this study is outdated, and the number of pets globally has likely increased since then.
So, what does all this mean? If you are searching for a pet, you are more likely to choose a dog than a cat.
However, it is up to you to determine if you’re a dog or cat person and find the right pet for you and your family.
13 reasons why dogs stand out over cats
Studies show that, globally, dogs outnumber cats. What makes them better than cats?
- Dogs are hilarious in many ways. Dogs will make you laugh every day, from the silly things to how they look at you.
- Your dog will always be happy to see you. No matter how bad your day is, dogs are always excited to see you and make you feel better.
- Dogs are loyal companions. They will never leave your side, no matter what.
- Dogs are great protectors. They will bark at strangers and make you feel safe.
- Having a dog is good for your health; walking it regularly is excellent exercise.
- Dogs teach responsibility. Taking care of a dog is a great way to teach children responsibility.
- Dogs provide companionship. If you live alone, a dog can provide much-needed companionship.
- Your dog will always be up for a game. Dogs love to play; whether you’re playing fetch, hide and seek, or tug of war, dogs make sure you have fun.
- Cats are lazy. They sleep most of the daytime and don’t like to play games.
- Cats are independent. They don’t need you as much as dogs and are often aloof.
- Felines are picky eaters. They can be picky about their food and may not eat what you give them.
- Cats scratch furniture. They love to scratch furniture and often don’t use a scratching post.
- Allergies. Some people are allergic to cats, but not dogs.
To put it simply, dogs make better pets than cats. They’re loyal and loving and always ensure you have a good time. So, consider getting a dog if you’re looking for a new pet. Your life will be better for it.
On the other hand, cats are good pets in their way. So, let’s compare cats with dogs.
Cats or dogs? Compare the pets
It’s a debate as old as time and history: Which is better, dogs or cats? Let’s observe the critical differences between these two popular pets to help you decide.
- Size. One of the main distinctions between dogs and cats is size. Dogs come in all shapes and sizes, from tiny Chihuahuas to giant Great Danes. Cats, on the other hand, are much smaller.
- Lifespan. Another difference between these two animals is lifespan. Dogs typically live for around 12 years, although some breeds can live for 20 years. Cats, however, have a lifespan of approximately 15 years.
- Exercise. Dogs need a lot of exercise, so pet owners should take them for a walk at least once a day. On the other hand, cats don’t need as much exercise and can often be content to lounge around the house all day.
- Diet. Dogs are omnivores and will eat just about anything. Cats, on the other hand, are carnivores and need a high-protein diet.
Do you know this dog trivia?
Here are some facts you need to learn about dogs:
- Dogs have been domesticated for over 15,000 years.
- There are over 400 different breeds globally.
- Labrador Retrievers are the most popular dog breed in the US is the Labrador Retriever.
- The average lifespan of dogs is 12 years, although some breeds can live for 20 years. The tiniest dog breed is the Chihuahua.
- Dogs have a sense of smell up to 100,000 times stronger than humans.
- Dogs can hear sounds that are too high-pitched for humans to hear.
- Irish Wolfhounds are the tallest dog breed.
- Dogs are omnivores and will eat just about anything.
- English Mastiffs are the heaviest dog breed.
- Dogs have been used in war, police work, search and rescue, hunting, and service animals for people with disabilities.
What young people know about dogs
Young people and students often refer to several high school statistics when asked how many dogs and cats there are in the US.
According to high school statistics questions, there are about 77.78 million dogs and 84.67 million cats in the United States.
In 2016, there were approximately 600 million dogs globally. The number of cats is higher, but a reliable estimate is unavailable.
Students prefer dogs as pets because they are easy to take care of even when they go to college, can be trained to perform tricks and tasks, provide companionship, and are always up for a game of fetch.
Cats are considered lazy, independent, and picky eaters who scratch furniture. However, some people prefer cats because they do not need as much exercise as dogs and have a longer lifespan.
Surprising discoveries about dogs
Did you know that some dogs can detect cancer? Dogs have a fantastic sense of smell. They can sniff out cancer.
Cancer cells release different chemicals than healthy cells, and dogs can see these changes in scent. Dogs have been known to detect cancer in humans and other animals with up to 97% accuracy!
Dogs can also detect COVID-19. In a recent study, dogs could detect COVID-19 with an accuracy of over 80%. The dogs in the study could sniff out the disease before people started showing symptoms.
Dogs can also help you stay fit. A recent study found that people who own dogs are more likely to get the recommended amount of exercise than those who don’t.
What people say
One pet owner says, “I have had both dogs and cats, and I can say that dogs are better. Dogs are more loyal and loving than cats. They’re always happy to see you, no matter what.”
Another says, “I prefer cats because they’re independent. They don’t need you as much as dogs do, and they’re easier to care for.”
A third pet owner says, “I think it depends on the individual animal. I have had both dogs, cats, and others that were great pets. It just depends on the quality and personality of the animal.”
Do people adopt more dogs or cats?
People adopt cats more often than dogs. In 2018, around 37% of shelter animals were dogs, and 56% were cats. However, 46% of animals adopted from shelters were cats, and only 39% were dogs.
This may be because there are more cat breeds to choose from and because cats are generally smaller than dogs and require less exercise.
Popular dog breeds
Here are the top 7 dogs that are adopted globally.
- Labrador Retriever: The most popular dog breed in the United States of America. They are intelligent, good-natured, and make excellent pets.
- Chihuahua: The smallest dog breed. Chihuahuas are loyal, protective, and caring to their owners.
- Irish Wolfhound: The tallest dog breed. They are gentle and good with children.
- Poodle: The second most popular dog breed in the United States. They are intelligent and active and come in a variety of sizes.
- Golden Retriever: A popular dog breed that is intelligent, friendly, and great with children.
- Bulldog: A muscular dog breed that is loyal and good-natured.
- Beagle: A popular dog breed that is curious, active, and loves to play.
There are many different dog breeds, each with its unique characteristics.
Financial considerations
Cost can be a significant consideration for pet owners.
Owning any pet requires a financial commitment, but the costs of owning a dog versus a cat can vary significantly.
Food is one of the main expenses.
The average cost of feeding a medium-sized dog can range from $500 to $1,000 annually, depending on the chosen brand and food quality.
Cats tend to eat less and have lower annual food costs ranging from $300 to $600 annually.
However, this may vary depending on whether you choose wet or dry food and how much your cat eats.
Veterinary care is another significant expense.
Due to their active nature and propensity for injury, dogs require regular visits for vaccinations and check-ups and sometimes more frequent trips. Dog owners spend around $200-400 on vet bills each year.
Cats also need routine check-ups and vaccinations but typically have fewer health issues than dogs. Their yearly vet bills can range from $150-300.
Another financial consideration for pet owners is grooming expenses. Dogs typically require more grooming than cats due to their longer coats and higher energy levels, which lead to messier fur.
Depending on your dog’s breed and size, grooming costs can add up quickly, ranging from $30 to $90 per visit every 4 to 6 weeks.
Cats are typically low maintenance and generally do not require professional grooming unless they have long hair that needs trimming occasionally.
Other potential expenses in owning a pet include leashes, collars, toys, litter boxes (for cats), beds, treats, etc., which can add up over time.
Unexpected medical emergencies or behavioral training may create significant financial costs.
Ultimately, cost should not be the sole determinant in choosing between a dog and cat. Both can bring immense joy and companionship to any household.
Health benefits
Owning a dog can provide more health benefits compared to owning a cat.
Increased physical activity
Dogs are known for their energy levels and need for regular exercise.
This means dog owners are likelier to engage in physical activity such as walking, running, or playing.
Owning a dog can help improve cardiovascular health, lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and reduce the risk of obesity.
Stress relief
Pets are often called “therapy animals” for their ability to reduce human stress levels.
However, research has shown that interacting with dogs specifically offers greater stress-reducing effects than cats.
This is because petting or cuddling with a dog releases oxytocin (also known as the “love hormone”), which helps decrease cortisol (the stress hormone) levels in our bodies.
Dogs show affection and unconditional love by wagging their tails and licking your hands and face.
Social connection
Dogs are naturally social creatures and require regular interaction with humans and other dogs.
Dog owners often have a built-in social network through activities such as walks in the park or trips to the dog park, where they can meet other like-minded individuals.
In contrast, cats tend to be more solitary creatures, which may not provide their owners the same level of social connection.
Mental stimulation
Having a pet can provide mental stimulation through activities such as training and playtime.
Dogs thrive on learning new tricks and participating in interactive games, which keep them mentally sharp and stimulate their owners.
This can be especially beneficial for older adults at risk of cognitive decline.
Allergy prevention
Contrary to popular belief, owning a dog helps prevent allergies in children. Studies have shown that exposure to dogs early in life can decrease the risk of developing allergies and asthma later.
Cats can increase the likelihood of developing an allergy due to their grooming habits and dander.
Decide what’s right for you: Dogs or cats?
It depends on what you like most, whether dogs or cats are best for you.
Dogs are assumed to be better than cats because they are more loyal, loving, and easy to train. These dogs can also help you stay fit and healthy. Cats are independent and don’t need as much attention as dogs.
As published at the outset of this article, while there are many debates globally, the one between dog and cat lovers is perhaps the most heated.
And it’s not hard to see why—both animals have many benefits (and drawbacks) that make them appeal to different people.
Dogs may stand out over cats, but that doesn’t mean cats cannot be good pets. It all comes down to what you’re looking for in a pet and what type of personality you prefer. Both dogs and cats make great companions, so the best pet for you is ultimately the one that fits best into your lifestyle.